CityLink's plans for comprehensive campus make progress

A new infusion of funding will provide more fuel to the plan that is CityLink Center, a non-profit focused on helping the working poor with comprehensive services. Dismayed by 2007 U.S. Census data in which Cincinnati ranked as the tenth poorest city in the country, with one of four residents living in poverty, CityLink partners decided to forge a new path to help residents break destructive cycles.

Based on the successful Centers for Working Families models in place in cities like Chicago, Atlanta and Baltimore, CityLink joins social service with faith-based organizations in an effort to meet all families' needs in a single location.

Services cover a wide range of topics, from finances to healthcare, from GED to ESL courses. By locating services on the on five-acre campus, slated for Bank Street in the West End, planners hope to overcome barriers like complicated work and transportation schedules and access to childcare.

More than 25 partner churches include the West End's Bright Star Baptist Church, as well as Crossroads Community Church in Oakley.

Do good:

• Donate. As little as $10 will be able to provide an hour of childcare for clients at Citylink.

• Connect on Facebook. Like CityLink on Facebook and learn about project updates online.

• Watch the video. Find out the strategy behind this initiative and meet some of the partners.

By Ryan McLendon

Image courtesy CityLink